The Fromm Institute is a "University within a University" offering daytime courses for retired adults over 50 years of age. Founded by Alfred and Hanna Fromm in 1976, the Institute offers intellectual stimulation and introduces its members to a wide range of college level learning opportunities with full access to the facilities and services at USF.

The Institute has a firm commitment to learning and believes that older students should be able to learn within a peer setting and be taught by emeritus professors of their own age.

Self-governance gives the Fromm Institute a unique identity at the University of San Francisco while still remaining an integral part of campus life. It is an independent, non-profit program that solicits funding from its members and a broader philanthropic community. Governed by a Board of Directors, the Friends of the Fromm Institute, our administrators, faculty and students set their own pace. Students do, however, take part in other campus activities.

The Fromm Institute has a Student Association with elected officers who handle a social agenda and plan special events. The Fromm Institute welcomes all people regardless of previous academic achievement or the ability to pay a modest membership fee. This San Francisco “original” serves hundreds of older students each day, and includes thousands of people among its lifelong learning student body and alumni.